Paul Hecht: Pyrography II

EARS & EYES RECORDS (RELEASED MAY 29, 2026)

Pianist Paul Hecht’s Pyrography II exemplifies the age old saying, “Once a teacher, always a teacher.” Afterall, before turning fully to music, Hecht spent years in academia, including teaching English and Theatre Arts. As evidenced by Pyrography II, he still has valuable insights to share with musicians and serious listeners of modern jazz. Accompanied by musicians who appeared on Pyrography I (Ben Dillinger on bass, Gustavo Cortinas on drums and James Davis on trumpet) and with the addition of saxophonist Michael Hudson-Casanova, Hecht teachers that there are still ways breathe new life into jazz standards. They add interesting twists and turns to the rich melody and harmonies of Rodgers and Hart’s “My Romance,” renaming it “My Chromatic Romance.” Each player comes in one at a time as they allude to the structure of John Coltrane’s “Countdown” before the interplay seamlessly morphs into the tune of which we are familiar. Although their unique approach to Jimmy Van Heusen’s “Like Someone In Love” ends with the traditional tag played three times, the solos from Hecht and Davis are intriguing and inventive. Hecht also teaches the value of balancing relaxation with rigor on original tunes such as “Hero Complex,” a piece that has all the markings of Kenny Wheeler, including an expressive solo from Davis. “Lullaby,” which opens with a chamber-like trumpet/piano duo, teaches the importance of restraint, while “Seriously,” with its choppy syncopation and playful solos, is a lesson about not taking things too seriously! Hecht schools the musicians on flexibility as solos shift from a Middle Eastern groove to straight ahead swing on the original “Wayne.” Hecht also teaches the importance of well-executed arrangements whether it’s the quartet (without Hudson-Casanova) or the quartet playing tunes such as the dark and abstract “LDD,” the tender ballad “WWFH” or the funk of Femme R.” In academic terms, Pyrography II receives an “A-Plus” for interesting originals, innovative ways of approaching standards and superb arrangements and solos. In jazz terms, Paul Hecht’s Pyrography II is a great example of modern jazz that is accessible as it is complex. Enjoy the learning experience!

BOTTOM LINE: Pianist Paul Hecht continues to probe the musical territory he first explored on Pyrography I with two exceptions. For starters he added the voice of saxophonist Michael Hudson-Casanova to the quartet that appeared on Pyrography I. He also adds some intriguing interpretations of jazz classics. Pyrography II is modern jazz that bridges the gap between abstraction and sincerity.